This week, campaigners convened outside 10 Downing Street to deliver a petition with over 1.5 million signatures, pressing the UK Prime Minister to ban fur imports and sales. Supported by animal protection groups such as Humane World for Animals UK, RSPCA, PETA (UK), FOUR PAWS UK, and Open Cages, the #FurFreeBritain petition reflects a significant public demand for change.
The delivery of the petition coincides with a legislative initiative currently underway in Parliament. Ruth Jones MP has introduced a bill aimed at banning the import and sale of fur, with its Second Reading scheduled for June 13th. This proposed legislation seeks to address a significant loophole in the existing law: although fur farming was prohibited in the UK over two decades ago due to animal welfare concerns, the nation still imports fur valued at tens of millions of pounds each year.
According to HMRC data, the UK imports between £30 to £40 million worth of fur from countries like Finland, Poland, Greece, and China annually. Humane World for Animals estimates that this trade leads to the brutal deaths of nearly one million animals each year. These animals are frequently subjected to intense confinement and inhumane methods of slaughter, such as electrocution or gassing.
The bill aims to broaden current bans on the trade of cat, dog, and seal fur, extending protections to species such as foxes, raccoon dogs, mink, coyotes, and chinchillas. Recent polls reveal robust public support, with 77% of Britons advocating for a fur import ban.
Worldwide, the fur trade causes immense suffering and death for tens of millions of animals annually. Fur farming is also tied to public health hazards, with hundreds of COVID-19 and bird flu outbreaks reported on fur farms in Europe and across North America. These outbreaks have sadly led to the culling of millions of animals.
In addition to animal welfare and health issues, the fur trade significantly impacts the environment. Studies reveal that mink fur has a carbon footprint exceeding that of cotton by over 30 times. Additionally, raccoon dog and fox fur are among the most environmentally harmful materials utilized in the fashion industry.
The UK led the way as the first country to ban fur farming, inspiring 21 other European nations to follow suit. Major fashion brands such as Gucci, Valentino, Chanel, and Burberry have also adopted fur-free policies, aligning with consumer awareness in a global shift away from fur use.
Advocates of the #FurFreeBritain campaign view the proposed bill as a crucial chance to synchronize UK trade practices with the nation’s long-standing dedication to animal welfare. Passing this bill would strongly convey that cruelty has no place in fashion, reaffirming the UK’s leadership in this compassionate movement.
